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Hudson candidates flaunt qualifications

By John Collins, jcollins@lowellsun.com

Updated:
02/22/2013 12:55:35 PM EST

HUDSON, N.H. -- The theme of experience versus new ideas and new faces dominated the 2013 version of Hudson Candidates Night on either side of Moderator Paul Inderbitzen's lectern on Thursday night at the Community Center.

To Inderbitzen's right sat incumbent Selectmen Roger Coutu and Richard Maddox and challengers Normand Martin, Richard Kahn and Randy Brownrigg. To Inderbitzen's left sat five School Board candidates vying for two seats, including incumbents Patty Langlais and Lars Christiansen, and challengers Lynn Morin, Laurie Jasper and Michael Truesdell.

"Experience can only go so far. What it can also do is cause your vision to be jaded against other possibilities and solutions," said Kahn, owner of a landscaping business in Hudson, who promised to put greater emphasis on "fiscal restraint, civil-liberties protection, accountability, and business-friendly climate."

"If you want more businesses to come into Hudson, then get out of the way," said Kahn.

Brownrigg, a 17-year resident and retired member of the military, stated, "it's time for a change" on the board.

Brownrigg referenced the computer course work he is taking in his business-degree studies at Southern New Hampshire University before noting that Hudson's schools and town administrative offices are in need of an upgrade in their computer technology and software programs.

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"These guys have experience, which is great," said Brownrigg, referring to Coutu and Maddox. "But one day they're going to have to leave the office, and I want to fulfill those shoes."

Martin, a 12-year resident, criticized unnamed members of the Board of Selectmen for "micro-managing" the town's department heads and Town Hall employees.

"Right now they're doing a study, an analysis of the administrative positions in Town Hall, and it's got these people on pins and needles, worried about still having a job when this analysis is done," said Martin. "We pay department heads very good money -- let them do their jobs... You should do the job of selectman and then go home. Micromanaging doesn't help."

Maddox and Coutu similarly called attention to their records of accomplishment and "frugality" that produced a tax rate only 1 cent higher than last year, while seeing no drop-off in town services, the two incumbents said.

"Over the last several years, during the most difficult economic times in decades, we've struggled to maintain value while looking to hold down the tax rate," said Maddox. "At the same time, we cannot put our heads in the sand. We need to look at Hudson's future, so on this year's ballot you'll see a number of requests we have put forward. A number of selectmen recommended contracts that will give raises to our employees and will also help us get a handle on the ever-increasing health-care costs."

The newly negotiated contracts including health-care increases for town employees will cost the average Hudson homeowner $25.55 more for the year, Maddox noted.

Coutu said while being very careful in how they spend residents' tax dollars in the past five years, he and the other members effectively coordinated numerous project to better residents' quality of life, including proposing a dual-purpose Hudson Senior center/cable-TV facility at Benson Park, on this year's ballot.

There was also great progress made by the board toward realizing the dream of building the late Zachary Tompkins' sports stadium, Coutu noted.

The three newcomers to the School-Board race -- Jasper, Morin and Truesdell -- chose to focus more on the personal qualities each would bring to the meeting table, if elected, rather than critiquing incumbents Langlais and Christiansen.

Jasper, who is married to longtime state rep. and former Selectman Shawn Jasper, said she spent many volunteer hours and time as a part-time reading tutor for third graders during the years her daughter attended Hudson public schools.

"I have the knowledge and experience to prioritize the needs of the school district while keeping the taxpayers in mind," said Jasper. "We need to look for new and innovative ways to utilize the resources we have. I will keep an open mind on the board, and listen."

Morin, a 43-year resident, said she has "no real agenda other than providing an awesome education at a reasonable cost for the taxpayers," she said.

Truesdell, a 17-year resident with four children ranging in age from a senior to a 7-year-old, said the students of Hudson "are full of potential and promise but our school system is faced with significant challenges that must be addressed, and with limited resources."

In answer to an audience member's question, Langlais and Christiansen said they are not proud that Hudson ranks second-lowest in per-pupil spending in the state.

"We have never had to lay off teachers; that is something we have been able to avoid every year," said Christiansen, calling attention to the happiest byproduct of maintaining a lower school tax rate.

"My goal is to bring revenue to Hudson," said Langlais. "We need to be looking outside our community for help. Our children deserve the best in everything and I feel it is my job to do that."

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